Things To Do
in Beian
Bei'an (北安) is a small prefecture-level city in western Heilongjiang province of northeast China, characterized by a mix of agricultural plains and industrial history. It sits near rivers and wetlands, offering wide rural landscapes, riverside views and distinct four-season changes. The town center features modest Soviet-era and early 20th-century architecture, local markets and simple cultural sites that reflect Dongbei (Northeast China) life.
Visitors come for authentic rural experiences, seasonal scenery (especially snowy winters) and regional food rather than big-city attractions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the well-preserved ancient city walls of Beian, where you can stroll along the historic ramparts and admire panoramic views of the city. Learn about the defensive architecture that protected Beian centuries ago and capture photographs of the intricate brickwork. The cool morning air and soft sunlight create a perfect atmosphere for exploring this remarkable relic of the past.
After lunch, head to the Beian Museum to delve deeper into the region’s rich history and cultural heritage. The exhibits showcase artifacts from the Ming and Qing dynasties, along with traditional folk crafts unique to Heilongjiang province. Spend time interacting with informative displays that bring Beian’s story to life in vivid detail.
As evening falls, visit the bustling Beian night market, where locals sell everything from street food delicacies to handmade souvenirs. Savor authentic northeastern Chinese snacks like dumplings and grilled skewers while enjoying the lively atmosphere. End your day with a peaceful walk along the Songhua River embankment, watching the city lights shimmer on the water’s surface.
Begin your morning with a serene boat ride along the Songhua River, taking in the gentle flow and lush greenery that lines its banks. The fresh air and tranquil environment offer a refreshing start to the day, perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike. Spot local birdlife and appreciate the harmonious blend of water and forest as the sun rises.
Spend the afternoon hiking the trails around the Songhua River scenic area, where you can discover hidden waterfalls and peaceful picnic spots. The terrain is varied but accessible, allowing you to enjoy both gentle walks and more vigorous climbs. Along the way, learn about the native plants and wildlife from informational signs and local guides.
Conclude your day by dining at a riverside restaurant, sampling freshly caught fish prepared in traditional Heilongjiang styles. The cool evening breeze and sounds of flowing water create a relaxing backdrop for your meal. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the illuminated river promenade, where the reflections of lanterns dance on the water’s surface.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| ☕Coffee or tea in a cafe | $1.5-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within city) | $1.5-4 |
| 🚌Local bus ride | $0.2-0.6 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel or guesthouse (per night) | $20-50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural and small-city experience of Northeast China
- Low travel costs and affordable local food
- Distinct four-season scenery, especially dramatic winters
- Friendly locals and opportunities for cultural immersion
- Limited English and tourist infrastructure compared with larger cities
- Harsh winter weather that can disrupt travel
- Fewer sightseeing attractions and nightlife options for international tourists
- Public transport between attractions may be limited; some places require private transfer
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (Xiè xie)" - Thank you
- "多少钱？ (Duō shǎo qián?)" - How much is this?
- "请问洗手间在哪里？ (Qǐngwèn xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is the restroom?
- "我不吃肉 (Wǒ bù chī ròu)" - I don't eat meat
- "我过敏 (Wǒ guòmǐn) + [allergen]" - I'm allergic to [allergen]
- "请慢一点 (Qǐng màn yīdiǎn)" - Please speak more slowly
Places to Visit in Beian
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide-open river vistas and wetlands provide reflections, sunrise/sunset shots and migratory bird opportunities in season.
Streets with 20th-century industrial-era buildings, modest Soviet-style facades and local storefronts are excellent for documentary and street photography.
In deep winter the town and surrounding countryside become photogenic with heavy snow, icicles, frozen rivers and locals in warm clothing — dramatic low-light opportunities.
Vibrant morning markets and evening stalls that capture daily life, food preparation and local characters.
Seasonal colors in autumn, misty mornings in spring and pastoral scenes of harvest fields make for varied landscape photography.
Food in Beian
Beian Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Pickled cabbage that's a staple in the region; used in soups, stews and eaten as a side — available at restaurants and home-style eateries.
Must-Try!
Hearty dumplings filled with pork, cabbage or local fish; many small restaurants and market stalls serve fresh jiaozi, especially at breakfast or dinner.
A stir-fry of potato, eggplant and pepper common in Northeastern China — comforting and widely available in local restaurants.
Locally caught fish prepared smoked, salted or braised — look for family-run restaurants or market sellers.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local produce, pickles, dumpling stalls and hot soups; an excellent place to try breakfast buns, soy milk, jiaozi and freshly made snacks.
Seasonal and modest — skewers, pancakes, fried snacks and local sweets; great for casual tasting and atmospheric street photography.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A nod or handshake is common; show respect to elders and officials. Use modest language and avoid loud, confrontational behavior in public.
Meals are often shared family-style; don't stick chopsticks upright in a bowl (resembles funeral offerings), wait for elders to start eating and try a little of each dish as a sign of respect.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially inside homes or private settings; be cautious around religious or memorial sites.
Avoid contentious political topics; keep conversations polite and non-confrontational with strangers.
Safety
Tipping in Beian
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not commonly expected in small towns; rounding up or modest tips for exceptional service in hotels or tour situations are appreciated but not required.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) dominate in China, but in smaller towns cash (RMB) is widely used. Major credit cards may be accepted at larger hotels and restaurants but are less common in local shops and markets—carry some cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Late spring brings thawing rivers, muddy roads in rural areas and gradually warming days; pack layers and waterproof footwear for variable conditions.
Summers are warm and short with occasional rain — comfortable for exploring; bring a light jacket for cooler evenings and a rain layer for showers.
Crisp, clear days and colorful foliage make autumn an attractive time to visit; temperatures fall quickly after sunset, so bring warm layers.
Winters are long, very cold and snowy (often −15°C to −30°C at extremes). Dress in heavy insulated clothing, thermal layers, warm boots and plan for shorter daylight hours and occasional transport disruptions.
Beian at Night
Hiking in Beian
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible day-trip areas with forested trails, wildlife and scenic views — good for spring through autumn hikes and nature watching.
Nearby parks with maintained trails, viewing platforms and picnic areas suitable for half-day hikes and family outings.
Easy, flat walks along riverbanks and through cultivated landscapes — ideal for photography, cycling and gentle hikes year-round (weather permitting).
Airports
How to reach Beian by plane.
A regional airport serving Qiqihar with domestic flights; typically a shorter drive to Bei'an than larger international airports and useful for regional connections.
The major international gateway for Heilongjiang province with many domestic and some international flights; travel to Bei'an is possible by long-distance bus, train or private car — expect several hours on the road.
A smaller airport serving northern Heilongjiang with limited flights; can be useful for reaching northern parts of the province and for cross-border travel planning.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Bei'an, forming the main cultural and linguistic community.
Heilongjiang has ethnic minorities such as Manchu and others in smaller numbers; minority culture influences local festivals and some cuisine.
Surrounding areas have agricultural communities who practice traditional farming and contribute to local markets and seasonal harvest activities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular winter sports across Heilongjiang — community rinks and frozen lakes host skating and amateur hockey in winter.
Common urban pastimes with many public courts and community competitions, popular with all ages year-round.
Widely played at amateur levels in schools, neighborhoods and local clubs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Beian.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (stir-fried vegetables, tofu, cold dishes) but many dishes contain meat or meat stock — specify 'wo bu chi rou' (I don't eat meat) and be ready to ask about broths.
More challenging: soy sauce and wheat-based staples are common. Carry a translation card explaining allergies or dietary needs and be prepared to eat simple vegetable dishes or bring snacks.
Clear communication in Chinese helps — show a short note with the allergen's Chinese name. In smaller eateries, options to accommodate serious allergies may be limited.